Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 July 1891 — The Lapps’ Bible. [ARTICLE]

The Lapps’ Bible.

j The Lapps have the bible in thei’ : own tongue, and few stories are moo j interesting than the account of it i translation. Over thirty years age ! a series of religious riots took place in a number of villages in Lapland and among the rioters was one Lars Haetta. During the riots severa homicides occurred, and Lars ane some others of his companions were committed to prison on a chargeo' murder. They were found guilty and several were hanged," but in con sideration of his youth Haetta wa: condemned to life long imprisonment Commiserating his keepers and tin prison chaplain extended to him sue! favors as could safely be granted t< a life-long prisoner, and, finding their rewarded by good conduct, took especial pains to teach him to read anc write. Lars became interested in the bible, grew day by day mon fond of reading it and finally formed the bold project of translating it into his native toqgue. Through many weary years the labor went on for Lars was no great scholor, and the Lapp language, as may be read ily supposed, is not a fluent literary medium of thought. ‘ But finally the work was done, the bible translated and printed in the language of Lap land. *